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7:00-As I discussed with Thyrl Nelson this afternoon on “Limited Access”, Jarret Johnson really wasn’t particularly upset about his Pro Bowl snub. He referred to Haloti Ngata-who was deserving of a Pro Bowl trip a season ago, but had to wait until this season to get the recognition from those around the NFL who weren’t familiar with him last year. Jarret would have been VERY deserving of a trip to Miami this year as the clear Defensive MVP of this football team, but if he continues to play at this level-his time will come.

I cast my vote for Ray Rice today in the official media balloting for Team MVP. If a single vote went elsewhere, I will have to wonder what team that reporter was actually covering….

6:15 - INJURY REPORT- Ravens:

Raiders:

Strange stuff there. Gaither is listed as FULL, but he DEFINITELY did not participate in individual O-Line drills while we were watching. Also, Reed was out there running around-although he may not have participated in any drills. It was a laid back practice for sure.

2:00-Ed Reed didn’t appear to be particularly optimistic about his chances of playing on Sunday, saying he’d be a “game time decision……at best” with his groin injury. He said he would be okay with coming off the bench if it could help the team. HOWEVER, Ed was a late arrival at practice today, and was seen running around during the portion of practice that was open to the media.

1:40-Clearly the most uncomfortable moment of today’s media availability was when a reporter asked Derrick Mason about the negative response he’s received since his crucial 4th quarter drop against the Steelers Sunday.

“I don’t care. I really don’t care. That sh*t’s over with man, that sh*t’s over with. I don’t care about a drop man, move on-that’s the game of football. You know? I’m gonna laugh and I’m gonna laugh and I’m gonna laugh if I drop one or if I drop two.  I’m gonna laugh. I’ve done it for 13 years. So, I don’t give a hell about what other people say. That’s basically the way it is. I’ve had my share of drops, but I’ve also had my share of big catches. I smile on the big catches, I smile on the drops. That’s the way it is. I’m not going to change. Anything else?”

While Mason returned to his normal more jovial attitude for the rest of the press conference, it was nonetheless uncomfortable. Clearly Derrick had to know that questions about the drop and his response were coming, so I was a bit surprised he reacted so strongly. There’s no reason to dwell on the play moving forward, but it was a very big play in the biggest game (to that point) of the season. And for a number of reporters who didn’t travel to Pittsburgh, it was the first chance for them to ask Derrick about the play.

1:35-A very light practice for the Ravens today, no pads and a number of guys were in shorts. LB Tavares Gooden and S Ed Reed returned to practice, but both will likely be listed as limited. Still no practice for OT Jared Gaither.

1:04-Don’t forget to make sure you’re following us on Twitter (@WNST) for the quickest updates from out here at 1 Winning Drive.

Raiders coach Tom Cable just told us on a conference call that WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland) is questionable for Sunday’s game. You would have known that 5 minutes earlier if you were following us on Twitter.

12:57-Hear from the following NOW in the Audio Vault at WNST.net:

Coach John Harbaugh
QB Joe Flacco
RB Ray Rice
FB Le’Ron McClain
WR Derrick Mason
TE Todd Heap
DT Haloti Ngata
LB Ray Lewis
CB Domonique Foxworth
S Ed Reed

Much of this will also be available later today via WNSTv and YouTube.

11:00-Greetings from 1 Winning Drive, where the Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for Saturday’s trip to Oakland Alameda County Coliseum to face the Oakland Raiders with an AFC Wild Card berth on the line. We are scheduled to hear from John Harbaugh, Pro Bowler Ray Lewis, Pro Bowler Ray Rice, Joe Flacco, Derrick Mason and more today; as well as Raiders coach Tom Cable and DL Richard Seymour via conference call.

Back with more shortly….

-G